Qantas reportedly joins Virgin in axing Sea World partnership

Qantas has reportedly joined the swathe of major travel companies ditching partnerships with venues that house captive dolphins, whales and orcas.

A spokesperson for the airline told Yahoo Lifestyle it does not partner with venues that house captive cetaceans (dolphins, whales and orcas).

“As Australia’s largest airline we know we have a responsibility to ensure organisations we partner with meet our own expectations and that of the community.” the spokesperson said.

However, Sea World Resort & Water Park on the Gold Coast was still featured on the Qantas website at time of publishing. Travel Weekly has reached out to the airline for comment.

According to World Animal Protection (WAP), dolphins in the wild travel vast distances at great speed, dive deep into the ocean for food and live in large social groups. There isn’t a facility that can simulate these conditions and give these wild animals the life they deserve.

“This sends a clear message to other travel companies that a shift in the holiday industry is underway. Dolphin captivity is cruel and must end,” Ben Pearson, WAP’s head of campaigns said.

“Dolphins and other marine mammals are wildlife #NotEntertainers. We hope more travel companies follow their incredible example.”

This follows recent announcements from Virgin Holidays, United Airlines and British Airways scrapping sales to captive dolphins attractions.

Earlier this year, Canada went as far as passing a ban on keeping dolphins, whales and porpoises for entertainment. Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, India, Luxembourg, Norway, Switzerland, and the UK have passed similar bans.

Want to learn more about how you can make a difference through travel? World Animal Protection’s Simone Clarke is speaking at this year’s Travel DAZE! This year, we’re tackling sustainability and we’re not just talking about planting trees. Find out more here.

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One response to “Qantas reportedly joins Virgin in axing Sea World partnership”

Especially with all the excellent research and marine rescue efforts SeaWorld Australia does as well as their support for Tourism sector.

Many if not all of their Dolphins have been rescued or born in captivity. Sea World in Australia is unique and very different and unrelated to the one with the same name in the USA . Well I suppose Taronga Zoo is next and Featherdale .